Reimagining Urban Morphology for Equitable Mobility: Adapting to Collective Multipurpose Autonomous Vehicle Systems for Accessible and Inclusive Transportation Systems

An autonomous car represents the fusion of artificial intelligence and human-car interaction, wherein humans monitor and control the vehicles' decisions instead of physically driving them. Technological advancements in autonomous vehicles (AVs) prioritize accuracy and efficiency in their upgrades. However, current research primarily focuses on urban contexts, catering to commuters and shared ride services. 

Challenges related to suburban areas, such as social issues involving urban consequncest and accessiblity to moblity, remain unresolved. Additionally, a gap exists between AV implementation and existing infrastructure, as the integration of this new technology requires consideration of social concerns and preferences regarding autonomous vehicles. 

This research aims to explore the relationship between existing public infrastructure and AV systems within Allegheny County, proposing adaptations to enhance the equity of urban transportation. The study investigates transit accessibility and inequity, with a specific focus on addressing the needs of populations with limited mobility. The site selected for the AV plugin experiment is Lincoln-Lemington-Belmar. A 'mobility hub' design toolbox is developed based on five city patterns, including narrow residential streets, triangle intersections on steep slopes, neighborhood street intersections with blocked sidewalks, dilapidated houses and vacant lots, and mixed social patterns of mobility, social gathering, and recreation.

Network analysis in ArcGIS Pro is conducted to quantify the results of interconnected AV mobility hubs, assessing the expansion of reachable areas, the increase in facility numbers, and the improvement of walkability and accessibility for populations with high mobility needs. The design matrix serves as a valuable toolset for urban planners and designers to evaluate the cost-benefit of shared AV services and customized AV services in Lincoln-Lemington-Belmar.